Contractors on the Battlefield: Ensuring This Asset Does Not Become a Liability; Final rept

摘要

The Department of Defense, along with just about every other federal agency, alleviates its personnel shortage with the use of contractor personnel. Contractors are valuable resources that have proved to be critical assets to military operations. Contractors have also paid the ultimate price for their service. To date almost 1000 contractors have lost their lives providing services in Iraq. With nearly 25% of reconstruction costs in Iraq going towards contractor provided security services, it is imperative that commanders think about the employment of contractors early in the planning process. Over the years some would say the line has blurred between what are considered military tasks and functions performed by contractor personnel. Contractors performing tasks that can be perceived as direct combat actions, whether true or not, can have an effect on the commander's ability to maintain legitimacy of the military operation. To ensure the proper employment and protection of the contractors deploying with force, the Geographic Combatant Commander should consider issues such as force protection, legitimacy, and cost before bringing contractors into the theater of operation.